The Finger Lakes Region is world-famous for its wine and spectacular beauty but it is the Lakes that draw people from far and wide. It is the crystal clear waters and pristine shorelines that visitors wish to see most. We have discovered numerous preserves and parks around the Finger Lakes that lead hikers straight to the lakeshore of many of the Finger Lakes. These preserves allow visitors to separate themselves from the crowds and get back to nature while being able to appreciate the beautiful shorelines of the Finger Lakes. These beautiful lakeshore sanctuaries are the real hidden treasures of the Finger Lakes.
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Otisco Lake
Otisco Lake Preserve
The Otisco Lake Preserve features 1,300 feet of shoreline on the west side of Otisco Lake. This preserve provides a habitat for Bald Eagles and other shorebirds. This is a must-visit destination, especially if you love relaxing on the beach and taking in the gorgeous scenery. The trail itself is short but it is extremely steep, so the hike back up from the lake can be challenging.
Otisco Shores Conservation Area
This lovely preserve is located on the Southeastern shore of Otisco Lake. This preserve offers visitors a chance to enjoy the shore of Otisco Lake, as they walk the trails, relax on a beach, or fish. This lovely preserve is an easy, flat hike where you can escape into the tranquility of nature.
Otisco Lake Park
The majestic, ancient trees that grace Otisco Lake Park’s shoreline create a serene atmosphere, offering visitors abundant shade and a sense of breathtaking beauty.
Owasco Lake
Owasco Flat Preserve
This is an easy hike on flat ground. Perfect for any skill level. The path is wide and grassy from the parking lot down to the water. From that point forward, it thins out considerably and twists and turns through the high grass. It follows the water all the way down to the lake. This is a wild area surrounded by enormous, old trees that hang over the water. This outstanding spot is a haven for anglers, paddlers, and hikers alike.
Skaneateles Lake
Carpenter Falls & Bahar Nature Preserve
This stunning preserve has several waterfalls; one is easy to reach and accessible to everyone with a wheelchair-accessible ramp; the others are a bit of a challenge for more advanced hikers. The two attractions of the unique area are in opposite directions, and each trail is not very long, but together make a great excursion. If you want to really challenge yourself, you can hike all the way down to Skaneateles Lake from here.
Cayuga Lake
Caygua Shores Wildlife Management Area
Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area (formerly Bell Station Preserve) property boasts 3,400 feet of stunning Cayuga Lake shoreline. This is a pristine piece of natural beauty. When we visited, we had the entire preserve to ourselves and it was just fantastic. There are numerous trails, including one that runs along the lakeshore.
Vanriper Conservation Area & Whitlock Nature Preserve
The gem of this nature preserve is the stretch of untouched shoreline. The rocky beach is lined with mature trees, some of which have fallen onto the beach. This is a lovely stretch of beach to relax on or stroll down. This preserve offers the 2nd shortest and easiest hike of all the destinations on this list.
Salt Point Natural Area
This is a small but beautiful natural area on Cayuga Lake that has a large stretch of shoreline to explore. This is also a small boat launch (for kayaks and canoes) and a fantastic picnic area that provides picnickers with a fantastic backdrop of the lake while they enjoy their lunch. There are a few walking trails that during the spring and summer are brilliant colored with flowers and accompanying butterflies.
Seneca Lake
Caywood Point
You probably already know that New York State only has one national forest, The Finger Lakes National Forest. What you might find surprising is that this national forest has a small parcel of land that sits on Seneca Lake, and it is spectacular with waterfalls, a historic building, and a beautiful section of lakeshore.
Canandaigua Lake
Atwater Meadow
Hidden away in the City of Canandaigua is an 18-acre parcel of land that leads visitors to stretches of beach on Canandaigua Lake. This is a great destination to enjoy the beauty of the Lake, get a great view of Squaw Island, launch a kayak, or just enjoy a quiet picnic on the beach.
East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill
The hike down to the lake isn’t long at all, but it is quite steep. There are numerous steps leading down to the lake which help not only get down to the water but back up again. There are breaks in the trees, in spots, as you descend, providing spectacular views of Canandaigua Lake. We couldn’t help but stop and just take in the view.
Canadice Lake
Canadice Lake Trail
One of the wonderful attributes of Canadice Lake is that visitors can get close to the lake from just about everywhere around it. However, the best feature is the 8-mile trail that runs around the entire west side of the lake.
Hemlock Lake
Rob’s Trail
The hike down to Hemlock Lake is 1.5 miles and passes by numerous waterfalls and travels through hardwood forests. If you are feeling ambitious once you reach the lakeshore, you can hike the 4.8 miles of lakeside trail down to the boat launch.
Hemlock Lake Park Trail
In addition to the picturesque park at the south end of the lake is a trail that follows the west side of the lake. Hikers with a keen eye can see the remaining foundations of an early settlement.
Conesus Lake
Conesus Lake Access
This is, without a doubt, the easiest shoreline to reach on the list, barely a 100-foot walk from the parking lot. The area can be muddy on rainy days and in the early spring, but it is a lovely place to enjoy a lovely view of Conesus Lake.
Lake Ontario
Cornwall Preserve
This is one of our favorite preserves. The view of Lake Ontario here is spectacular. We often come to catch a sunrise or a sunset. This is a fantastic place to hike and there are numerous places to get down to the rocky beach.
Loon Lake
Loon Lake Wetlands Preserve
The Loon Lake Wetlands Preserve, which opened in the Spring of 2018, is an ongoing project to restore the original water flow to Loon Lake and revive the wetlands area. This 10-acre park is in its infant stage at the moment, but there is every sign that it will grow into a beautiful park.